IT’S A LIE – House Of Reps Blasts Labour For Circulating Fake Salary Of Nigerian Lawmakers
The House of Representatives has slammed Organized Labour in Nigeria, blaming it for circulating fake and exaggerated salary of Nigerian lawmakers.
The lawmakers, while debunking the
salary circulated by Organised Labour via social media, said the action of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in circulating “fake earnings of National Assembly members in Nigeria is capable of stoking public resentment and undermining the credibility of the Legislature. The stand of the Green Chamber was contained in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, on Tuesday.
The statement read, “The House of Representatives acknowledges the recent industrial action undertaken by the NLC and the TUC due to the breakdown in negotiations for a new national minimum wage. “The People’s House is pleased to note that the strike action has been suspended for one week to allow for further negotiation.
“During this period, as we have previously demonstrated, the People’s House remains responsive and committed to actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the issues in the best interest of Nigerians. “House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has consistently advocated a living wage and better working conditions for workers.
“At various fora, he has emphasised the importance of addressing key national priorities, including the state of the economy and insecurity, through legislative action.
Tajudeen Abbas
“While the Green Chamber is in full support of the call for improved wages and working conditions, there is a great need to exercise caution in increasing the minimum wage beyond what our economy can sustain to avoid unintended outcomes such as inflation, layoffs, and other adverse economic consequences.
“Thus, we restate the importance of approaching this issue from a balanced perspective to ensure long- term stability and prosperity for all.”
The Assembly, however, condemned the shutdown of critical infrastructure, such as the national grid and airports, during the joint unions’ mandated strike on Monday, saying it brought pain to Nigerians and those responsible for such actions must be brought to book.
“In the same vein, we observed with concern the direction of the strike action before its suspension and what it portends for the future. “Importantly, the shutdown of critical infrastructure, such as the national grid, constitutes economic sabotage and is detrimental to the well-being of our country. Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable.
“We also find it troubling that the leadership of Organised Labour, the majority of who live far above the means of the average Nigerian, would engage in actions that exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens.
“It is necessary, therefore, to state that
while industrial actions and dissent
are fundamental rights within our
democratic space that must be
protected, the manner in which Labour
conducted itself during the just-
suspended strike largely shows a lack
of empathy for Nigerians.
“Is the objective of the leadership of
the unions to compel the government
to implement a living wage or to inflict
pain on Nigerians?
“Additionally, it is important to address
persistent misinformation and
disinformation propagated by
organised Labour leadership.
regarding the earnings of lawmakers.
“This is especially because organised
Labour has, for years, contributed to false narratives about the remuneration of members of the National Assembly, exaggerating figures to stoke public resentment and undermine the credibility of the Legislature.
“This tactic diverts attention from the
core issues at stake and unfairly vilifies the institution of parliament. It. is crucial for all parties to engage in an honest and transparent dialogue. rather than resorting to the spread of inaccuracies for political leverage.
“Contrary to the insinuations of the
Labour leadership through its social
media platforms, the Legislature is on
the side of Nigerians and will continue
to act in the best interest of our
constituents giving meaning to their
mandate.”
It further urged the leadership of the union to return to the negotiation table and engage other stakeholders in good faith to achieve a balanced and. sustainable outcome. READ NEXT: TROUBLE FOR EL-RUFAI As Kaduna Assembly Indicts Him For Money Laundering, Abuse Of Office